The KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Intellectually Impaired (II) cricket side went on an unbeaten run at the recent SASA II National Summer Open Games in Kimberley to claim national honours for the first time.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Intellectually Impaired programme has recently been split into KZN Coastal and KZN Inland sides. The men from the coast found success twice against North West, twice against their neighbours KZN Inland and finally against Northern Cape in the group stages of the competition.
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The Coastal side met Mpumalanga in the semi-final and came out on top, which set up a riveting final against Western Province.
Western Province batted first in the final and scored over 80 in their 25 overs, which represented a competitive score. In reply, KZN Coastal were made to work for their runs and won the game by just one wicket.
Leg-spinner Sebastian Govender was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 18 wickets during KZN Coastal’s eight games, while opening batsman Themba Mzila was the pick of the batsmen throughout the week. Both Govender and Mzila are schooled at the Golden Steps School.
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‘I have been involved in the side for five years and this was the best we have played,’ team manager Rajiv Brijal said. ‘It was an incredible achievement for the squad to win all of their games, and then to go on and win the final in such an exciting manner.
‘Myself and coach Sifiso Khumalo are so proud of the team for what they have achieved.’
Photo: Gameplan Media
